aqamari

Hi, I have never been to Cancun or Playa del Carmen before. We are going to Cancun in a week, and we are thinking about spending a couple of nights in PDC. I'm wondering how the beaches compare to each other. I've heard the beaches in Cancun are beautiful--white sand and clear water. Are the beaches in PDC the same? Or are they rocky? I just want nice beaches! Can someone help me out?
Also, how long does it take to get from Cancun to PDC, and is transportation easy to find?
thanks!

Diana

The main difference in the beaches at Cancun and PDC is not really the beaches, but what's on them.
Both offer a long, unbroken stretch of stunning white sand and blue water.
(Some parts of Cancun's beach are very calm, while some parts are more active with waves, whereas most of the beach at PDC has relatively - for the Caribbean - good-sized waves.)
The vast majority of the beachfront in Cancun is mega-resorts and hotels, whereas Playa's beach is an eclectic mix of small hotels, restaurants and funky beach bars with or without music.
It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to get there. You can easily get a taxi, and buses also run there very cheaply. (We always get a taxi for convenience's sake.)
I think you should go for it! The bars, shops and rests. there are completely different from Cancun. It's hard to believe they are less than an hour apart.

loangalsal

Hey, Diana! Sounds like you know PDC! I am going there in November for the first time. Can you recommend your favorite little places to shop,eat or drink there? We are staying at Iberostar Tucan on a company paid trip, but I want to venture out for some local flavor as much as possible. I love small, interesting, or unusual local places when I travel (I avoid big chains!), what are your favorites there? Anyone's opinion appreciated!

Ally

To loangalsal, you need to go to the message boards at

http://www.playadelcarmeninfo.com/

It's ALL about Playa Del Carmen.

Diana

Hi loangalsal!
I'll top my recent trip report for you, and the site Ally recommended is great!
Have fun!

aqamari

any more insight into the differences between the beaches in cancun and playa del carmen?
if so, please help!

skigirl

Just like the first reply, the beaches are really the same, but Cancun and PDC are night and day. Cancun is high rise hotels, chain restaurants and crazy night life - sort of like Las Vegas at the beach. PDC is much quieter, and also closer to Tulum, Xel-Ha and Xcaret (latter two are ecological parks with snorkeling and lots of other activities). PCD itself is a fairly small town with some fun shopping and restaurants. You can also take the ferry to Cozumel from PDC. The resorts in PDC tend to be spread out and only 1-2 stories -I would pick PDC in a heartbeat.

JeanH

I guess I'm wondering if you're talking about staying in Playa Del Carmen or one of the resorts south of the town.

The beach in town is white sand, but it's narrower in spots and there are small boats tied up along it. Since Playa Del Carmen is a fishing village, I find the boats part of the charm, but I have seen other people complain about the boats.

The beaches in town make me realize that I'm not in the United States, Cancun beaches, although beautiful, could be any where.